For those seeking the ideal auditory companionship to lull them into a peaceful night’s sleep, sleep experts have insights to offer.
If you’ve ever found it challenging to quiet your mind and enjoy a restful night’s sleep, rest assured that you are not alone. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that approximately 14% of Americans grapple with difficulties falling asleep almost every day or on a daily basis within the past 30 days.
The quest for solutions to these common sleep-related issues is a thriving one. It encompasses a range of strategies, from the implementation of blackout curtains and optimizing room temperature to investing in exceptionally comfortable sleepwear and even contemplating a “sleep divorce.” Amidst this spectrum of remedies, one particular approach stands out – the use of noise machines.
White noise, along with its sonic cousins such as pink, brown, and green noise, has gained significant popularity in the realm of sleep and concentration aids, offering a vibrant array of auditory experiences.
Catherine L. Franssen, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and biology professor at Longwood University in Virginia, underscores the benefits of these audio companions. She explains, “When we’re stressed, we react to every little sound and have a hard time settling. When we have a background noise, it offers us a barrier against those little interruptions and allows us to relax.”
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for achieving better sleep, clinical psychologist and founder of Sleep Doctor, Michael Breus, Ph.D., highlights the positive impact of audio for individuals who struggle with “switching off their minds” during nighttime hours. According to Dr. Breus, incorporating the right audio elements can offer a soothing remedy for those grappling with a restless mind as they seek a peaceful night’s slumber.
